Ontario Providing More Supportive Housing in Hamilton

Investment will support vulnerable people in the community

Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark makes an announcement on supportive housing in Hamilton

Hamilton — The Ontario government is providing nearly $6.8 million through the Social Services Relief Fund to help create 85 supportive housing units in Hamilton.

The funding was announced by Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, alongside Neil Lumsden, MPP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, and Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook.

“Our government is working hard to ensure Hamilton’s housing needs are met with historic levels of funding in supportive housing and homelessness prevention that recognizes the city’s unique needs,” said Minister Steve Clark. “Supportive housing is a critical component of our commitment to build 1.5 million new homes by 2031, which will help all Ontarians, especially our most vulnerable, find a home that meets their needs and budget.”

Ontario is providing almost $4.8 million to help create 73 supportive bachelor housing units at 35 Arkledun Avenue. The community and supportive housing organization Good Shepherd is converting a former commercial school into housing units for women and non-binary individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. The five-storey building will have 49 permanent housing units and 24 units for short-term accommodations. The new, self-contained units will also include private bathrooms and kitchenettes.

The remaining $2 million will support the restoration and renovation of a historic building at 180 Ottawa Street North to help create 12 supportive housing units that will prioritize young Indigenous parents. The new building will allow young parents to start their families in a safe environment that reflects the values of First Nations communities. Residents will be in a walkable neighbourhood close to public transportation, schools, parks, health-care services, pharmacies, and employment opportunities.

Today’s announcement is part of the province’s Social Services Relief Fund, which has provided over $1.2 billion of support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to help municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable people in Ontario, including those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.

The Ontario government is also investing an additional $202 million each year in homelessness prevention programs – the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program – bringing Ontario’s total yearly investment to close to $700 million. This includes an increase of $4.3 million through the Homelessness Prevention Program for the City of Hamilton, bringing the total to $27.9 million annually for the next three years.

Quotes

“Our government understands the unique needs of the Hamilton community, including the growing demand for supportive housing units. We are working with community organizations like Good Shepherd and Indwell to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community are receiving the support that they need. This historic funding commitment underscores our government’s resolve to address and prevent homelessness in Hamilton and across Ontario.” – Neil Lumsden, Member of Provincial Parliament for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek

“Our government is continuing to make investments in much needed supportive housing in Hamilton. This investment will provide living spaces, including 12 supportive housing units for young Indigenous parents, for the most vulnerable members of our community. Our ongoing partnership with organizations like Indwell and Good Shepard demonstrates our commitment to ensure that Hamilton has the resources to meet the housing needs they have set as a priority.” – Donna Skelly, Member of Provincial Parliament for Flamborough-Glanbrook

“Affordable housing and supports for those who are most vulnerable in our community remains a key priority for City Council. By bringing housing together with critical supports, this project will ensure we make real progress in addressing the emergencies of housing, mental health, and addiction in this city.” – Mayor Andrea Horwath, City of Hamilton

“The creation of Dorothy Day Place at 35 Arkledun Avenue, represents a dynamic collaboration between Good Shepherd and all three levels of government. A collaboration that will provide foundational support to members of our community who have experienced homelessness, trauma and social exclusion, often for many years. Dorothy Day Place is a true expression of our mission value of hospitality, creating space where hope and transformation is realized.” – Brother Richard MacPhee, Good Shepherd’s Chief Executive Officer

“Hamiltonians may remember a small hotel at the corner of Ottawa and Cannon, that was followed by the former CD Sports Bar. Indwell, with help of Social Services Relief Funding from the provincial government, completely transformed the building into supportive permanent housing for 12 people who are in partnership with Hamilton Regional Indian Centre and Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing. Working together, we continue to create supportive homes that are the solution for people who are unhoused or precariously housed.” – Jeff Neven, CEO, Indwell


Quick Facts

  • The City of Hamilton was allocated over $57 million through all phases of the Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) to deliver critical services such as shelters, food banks and emergency services.
  • Service managers and Indigenous program administrators have the flexibility to allocate provincial homelessness prevention funding to programs and services that address and prevent homelessness in their communities, such as rent supplements, homeless shelters, and supportive housing including capital projects.

SOURCE Province of Ontario

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